Vettaikaaran (2009)
10/10
The best Tamil movie of the year
29 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Vettaikaaran is another racy commercial entertainer from Vijay like few of his earlier movies, but what makes it standing out is the handling of the subject and a fitting screenplay for which director Babu Sivan gets the credit. Right from choosing the cast, conceiving the scenes and making the screenplay engaging, his efforts to make the film successful are visible all over. His screenplay has all elements to satisfy Vijay fans and to keep the general audience glued to seats, considering that the film doesn't even have a separate comedy track. His dialogues are also precise and not overdone. For a debutant, he has done a good job by mixing all commercial elements in right proportions for entertainment.

With respect to cast, Anushka does share a good chemistry with Vijay. She looks beautiful, dances gracefully and does her role perfectly. The Vijay-Anushka pair in songs is a lovely visual treat and they make a lively pair in the comedy and romantic scenes too. She shares a good amount of screen space in first half and makes a memorable presence in second half. Sanjitha Padukone, playing a sister-like friend to Vijay does a good job too, though we miss her in the second half.

Srihari as Devaraj has an important role to play especially towards the climax and performs well. Shayaji Shinde as the corrupt policeman impresses with his acting and provides some comic relief too in second half of the film. Salim Ghouse as the main villain Vedanayagam and Sai Kumar's brother Ravi Shankar as his son Chella share meaty roles, pitted against Vijay. The other supporting cast including Sathyan, Sugumari and Manobala has done their roles to satisfaction.

Racy Music from Vijay Antony with songs already being chart busters and a background score that suits the mood of the film are major credits for the film. The songs are all shot well with Puli Urumudhu topping the list. The song which shows the rise of Vijay in second half makes a big impact by giving the required adrenaline rush and placed perfectly in the film. The intro song "Naan Adicha" is very well choreographed by Shobi and towards the end when Junior Vijay aka Sanjay enters, the theatre is in splits. The kid does a very well stylish job true to the reputation of his father. Other songs are also visual treats and placed well in the film.

The brilliant cinematography by Gopinath who earlier impressed in Ghilli and Kuruvi is another plus, as the camera takes you through the fun-filled first half and fast-paced second half with the same ease. Editing by V.T.Vijayan ensures in keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end. Stunts by Kanal Kannan are mostly very good, unlike the past two films of Vijay and the unwanted elements have been avoided. The scene before interval where Vijay jumps off the waterfall is pictured very well. There are many good sequences in the film, especially the Vijay-Anushka scenes mixing romance with humour in the first half and the plots Vijay makes against the villains in the second half.

The review is not complete without talking about Ilayathalapathy Vijay who gives the blood and flesh to the skeleton of Vettaikaaran and makes it lively. Looking youthful as never before, dynamic and vibrant throughout, he has shouldered the biggest responsibility of satisfying his fans and general audience entirely. His dialogue deliveries, graceful and unmatchable dance movements in songs, hard hitting action and romance are always known for its brilliance. What is above these in Vettaikaaran is the gamut of expressions he brings in every frame, be it comic timing, anger, emotion or love. His hard work is evident in every frame. This film proves why Vijay is exceptionally best in the school of casual acting. The minor changes in getup he has done for a few short sequences are impressive. His style and screen presence leave a big impact on you and it is one of the best performances of Vijay in recent years.

Though it is Sun Pictures' Vettaikaaran that has made the film reach every nook and corner this time, it is Vijay's Vettaikaaran that is going to stay in the minds of people in the coming months. While this is a perfect Christmas treat for Vijay fans, it is also a clean entertainer for anyone who likes watching Vijay on screen.
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